Cubs notes.

Castillo Claims He Abandoned His Slider At Triple-a Iowa

ST. LOUIS — Rebuttal: Manager Tom Trebelhorn didn't enjoy reading that one of the reasons the Cubs brought up Castillo now was to save money if there is a strike.

"I fought to get Frankie back here because he's the best pitcher we have available to come in and start," said Trebelhorn. "What's this stuff about money?"

Castillo has a major-league contract that pays $225,000 this season. If a strike comes Aug. 12 and he's pitching in the minors, he still gets paid. If he's with the Cubs and goes on strike, he loses his pay for as long as he's out. The Cubs could save about $45,000 if that happens.